Once the self-proclaimed "biggest car thief on Staten Island," a former Graniteville resident is now just another inmate headed for a long stretch in an Arizona prison.

Raymond Merolle Jr. was sentenced today to seven and a quarter years behind bars by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge for theft and arson convictions in the Grand Canyon State. Merolle potentially faced up to 18 and a half years in prison.

In January, an Arizona jury convicted Merolle, then 42, of two counts of theft. They stemmed from the heists of a $300,000, 38-foot "Top Gun" model speedboat and trailer as well as a truck and 30-foot box trailer in separate incidents. The box trailer contained two quad vehicles and a dune buggy, collectively valued at more than $100,000.

Merolle also was convicted of torching a former girl friend's car, but was acquitted of stealing it. The auto was a 1997 Acura coupe. Merolle moved to Arizona several years ago.

Merolle gained notoriety more than a decade ago on the Island as a member of The Untouchables gang. The crew allegedly ripped off car dealerships throughout the borough and New Jersey.

The Untouchables, which included Merolle's younger brother, Keith, and other family members, raked in a million dollars a year and gave itself the moniker because they believed they couldn't be caught, authorities said.

They were indicted, however, in 1995, and Keith Merolle was assassinated a month later, the result of a violent love triangle.

Raymond Merolle ultimately was cleared of all auto-theft charges after his testimony in 1997 helped convict gang member Thomas Capace of murder.

Despite his brief alliance with the law, Merolle was soon back working the other side of the street, authorities said.